Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Soldiers, Faith, And The Heart Of A Mom

My boys, like most, love to play army.  Especially my youngest. Sometimes he’s an army soldier, and sometimes he’s a storm trooper.  But he’s always on a mission.

This scene out my front door struck me the other day.  I’ve captured lots of pictures of the boys playing army.  But something about this one made me stop and watch.

Soldier heart

Maybe it was because I caught a glimpse of a young man 15 years from now, far from his home and family.  Maybe because, in that instant, my heart ached for all the moms of soldiers far from home.  Moms who will always see those soldiers as their precious little children.

In today’s world, the chances that our children will serve (or be called to serve) in a military setting are real.

Thankfully, this soldier’s mission didn’t look too dangerous.  (The cats should probably watch their backs, though.)

Soldier mission

But what about his future missions?

The truth is that we don’t know what the future holds for any of our children.  Only God does.  And if I’m honest with you, the thought of any of them facing dangerous missions on a real battlefield terrifies me.

And it rattles the mustard seed of my faith.

Because faith dictates that we trust God.

Trust him even with important things.  Especially important things.

Like our children. 

I can trust God for a lot of things.  But for my children’s health and safety?  In some ways that’s tough.  In fact, I’ll hold on to that job until the day I die with the ferocity and tenacity of a mamma bear.  Of course, I’ll pray.  That’s easy.

But it is incredibly hard to turn them over to God and present them, palms up, to His care. 

What if He takes them away from me?  What if His plan includes a dangerous mission or battle field, or a serious illness? 

I think it’s a struggle every mom faces.  And many are put to the test more than others. 

I haven’t been tried. 

At least not yet. 

Would I be able to hold my three sons out to God, palm up, and trust Him while they walk through difficult or dangerous situations?  Will I?

Even though my mind knows that there is no one more capable or loving than God, I think I would struggle. 

For now, at least, my little soldier’s eyes are still innocent.  I still get to tuck him in at night and hold him when he cries.  And I’m incredibly thankful for the safety in which we live, and the many blessings we enjoy.

What will he see 

But for parents of real soldiers, fervent prayers take the place of tender hugs.  Let’s add our prayers to theirs.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for our soldiers.    

Guide their steps.  Protect them.  And bring them home safely when they are done their job. 

And may our faith in your loving and sovereign care be renewed every day.

Links:

  Cheaper Than Therapy  PhotoStory Friday

28 comments:

Sue said...

Straight from a Mothers heart, a very touching and inspiring post. We are fervently praying for our military men and women. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Sue

Debbie said...

This was a REALLY good post, and funny because you echo so many of the thoughts I was having this morning which intended up including a conversation with my husband. How my heart really aches for the mom's whose sons are serving today. How hard that would really be. I have 3 grown sons and have never been tried this way. Soo much trust. And yet I have a feeling if put in the situation we both might find that the Lord would even give us the trust we would need. I don't think I could muster it up on my own. The pic of your son in his army gear is adorable. ENJOY this time while they are young, it really does go fast. And may we all remember those who serve today. Blessings, Debbie

Mari said...

Those pictures are so sweet and the post was so loving and heartfelt. As a soldiers Mom, I appreciate that prayer too!

Pia said...

your little boy is so cute. i also enjoyed reading your post --- very true and from the heart.

God bless.

Denise said...

This thankful post really touched my heart.

Adoption of Jane said...

The first thing I thought when I saw that pic was... "wow that looks so real"... great story.

Monkey Mommy said...

What a great picture how children like to act out stuff

happy thousand word thursday

annies home said...

you are so right I cry each and every time that I hear of a young man being injured or worse. I know that my Lord will protect my boys and I just have to trust but for a mamas heart that is very hard

Rieshy said...

Your post made me cry- so beautiful and so true.

I've watched my 3 year old almost die 3 times now because of his illness. Each time, God was holding me so firmly that he was a tangible presence.

Yet, it is still difficult as my oldest son turns 18, to imagine him signing his draft card.

Melissa, Multi-Tasking Mama said...

Thank you for such a beautiful post! I have three boys and feel your sweet mama heart through the words of this post.

It Feels Like Chaos said...

Such a wonderful post! Gave me goosebumps. Love the picture of your little guy and his mission with the cats is hilarious, but I especially love the reminder to pray for our soldiers and maybe to say an extra prayer for their mamas!

Genny said...

What a touching, poignant post! You have a beautiful heart.

So glad you stopped by and chimed in about Talkin About Thursdays. I hope you join in!

Best,
Genny

Michelle said...

What a touching post. Let's just hope that when our little ones grow up the world will be a more peaceful place.

happy psf!

Wayne said...

Lets hope and pray that your children and all children grow up without having to see the horror of war.

I loved to play soldier when I was younger and I always came home muddy.

Cecily R said...

What an amazing post...now you have me all mommy goose bumpy and weepy.

lsnellings said...

What a beautiful post!

And your little soldier is such a cutie!

Emily said...

Insightful post. I have a hard time trusting for those things as well.

Nancie said...

Thank you for this encouraging post. Your boys are such sweeties :) May they grow up to be godly men after God's own heart. Take care and God bless!

Warm regards,
Nancie

Unknown said...

This is such a touching and heartfelt post. your words caused me to pause and think about a mom and her son in the service.

Awesome. Thank you for sharing your little man and your heart.

Happy TT and see you again next week, Hugs, Lynn

Chris said...

I can think of no greater sacrifice than laying your child upon the altar of freedom.

That was God's sacrifice.

Rocks said...

I remember this from Brain Doerksen song.."I don't know what the future holds..still I know I can trust your faithfulness"

Your boys will always be in good hands for sure!!!

Unknown said...

It is so precious to see little boys playing army and so scary to think of your own big boys going out playing army. Thankful for all who do though.

Pam Emmons said...

Thanks you. That brought tears to my eyes.
My hubby was just told he will be leaving for a deployment in 6 weeks... our first deployment. My heart hurts, but knowing there are people out there like you who support the troops makes the ache a little more tolerable.

Ryanne said...

Very thought provoking and tear wrenching. My sister was an MP and served in Guantanimo Bay and Iraq, I hear you. We love our children and our sibling and it is so hard to see them have to go. I am GRATEFUL for the men and women who serve our nation and try to keep our freedoms alive.

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

Let me wipe the tears so I can see....... My sister is Ryanne and so she has stated what I would have said. It is tough on the moms, dads and siblings!
What handsome little soldiers you have. Hold to your faith!

Lisa @ Boondock Ramblings said...

Wow. beautiful. That photo brought a tear to my eye, a lurch in my heart. My son is three and I try not to think about him going off to war--where I can't protect him anymore. Thanks for reminding me that God is in control and for letting me know I'm not the only one who sometimes has a hard time letting go.

Emmy said...

So beautifully written. And you are right.. you are supposed to trust, but it is hard with your children.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post. Love seeing your little guy on his mission.